Sam Roberts returns to Artpark

by jmaloni

Tue, Jun 7th 2011 09:20 pm

The Sam Roberts Band

On the eve of the summer concert season, Artpark has
announced one more special event for 2011. Canada's The Sam Roberts Band will
hit the Mainstage Theater for a headlining performance on Friday, Sept. 2.
Tickets ($40 and $30) go on sale Saturday, June 11, at 10 a.m.

Like the Tragically Hip before them, The Sam Roberts Band
has achieved massive success in Canada and is supremely popular in Western New
York. Roberts and his band of bearded bros recently released a new album,
"Collider," via Zoë/Rounder.

While past albums have been credited to the
singer-songwriter alone, this one is being was more of a collaborative effort.
The album is something of a departure from the retro-rock stylings that have
been Roberts's trademark until now, as a press release contains descriptors
like "brass-blasted Afro-funk blowout" and "simmering soul
shuffle." Then again, it's also said to "(reinforce) the spirit of
the band's classic pop song craft and infectious melodies."

The disc features guest appearances from Califone
percussionist Ben Massarella and Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra woodwind player
Stuart Bogie, who "(fire) up the band's funkiness." Land of Talk's
Elizabeth Powell also lends her vocals to the duet "Longitude." Brian
Deck, who has previously worked with artists such as Iron & Wine and Modest
Mouse, produced "Collider."

As for where the LP got its name, Roberts explained,
"Ideas collide, especially when you're making music. When you take things
that are seemingly different, you can smash them together and create something
new."

To
purchase tickets in person, visit the Artpark Box Office. To purchase tickets
over the phone, call 1-888-223-6000 or 754-4375. For more information, visit www.artpark.net.